When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Police are looking for two men after an attack on a tube train where a teenager was threatened he would be stabbed and held in a headlock until he apologised for being gay.

British Transport Police (BTP) have launched an appeal after the attack, which is being treated as a homophobic hate crime, on board a westbound Jubilee line train between West Ham and North Greenwich on October 21 at about 11.10pm.

According to BTP, the attackers boarded the train at West Ham and began hurling homophobic abuse and becoming increasingly aggressive towards the 19-year-old victim, who was on his way to a fancy dress event with friends.

Read More

Latest crime news

After being challenged, the attackers then became physical, putting the 19-year-old victim in a headlock and are said to have demanded he apologise for being gay, which he did as he was struggling to breathe. They also took his phone, but gave it back after he "apologised".

A fight began between the victim's friends and the attackers, and BTP said a 25-year-old female friend of the victim was pushed to the ground when she tried to defend him. Though the 19-year-old victim was unhurt, the woman was left with bruising.

Police wish to speak with these two men

The victims then left the train at North Greenwich.

BTP detectives have released CCTV images of two men they want to trace in connection with the incident.

A BTP spokesman said: “Hate crime will not be tolerated by British Transport Police. We believe that everyone has the right to travel safety.